Chapter III: Rhythms with Added Values

Original: Pages 16–17 in Satterfield translation

Musical Examples:

• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10
• Example 11
• Example 12
• Example 13
• Example 14
• Example 15
• Example 16
• Example 17
• Example 18
• Example 19

Overview

This chapter systematically develops the technique of added values—one of Messiaen's most characteristic and influential rhythmic innovations. Building directly from the analysis of rāgavardhana in Chapter II, Messiaen transforms the observation of a single added dot into a comprehensive compositional method. The technique involves augmenting rhythmic patterns through the addition of small durational values (notes, rests, or dots) rather than through proportional multiplication. This creates subtle metric disturbances that resist regular periodicity while maintaining rhythmic precision. The chapter also establishes crucial parametric analogies, connecting rhythmic added values to harmonic added notes (developed in Chapter XIII) and to melodic preparations and descents (developed in Chapter XV).